Fall seems to be the busiest time of year for many of us--and this one is no exception. Your calendars may already be getting full, but starting with what is literally a hot topic, here are more dates to save:

September Community Forum:

Climate Realities and Our Responsibilities

Wednesday, Sept. 18, noon-2 p.m.

Louise Lowry Davis Center, 1232 De la Vina St.

Heat records are being broken worldwide,glaciers are melting and

sea level is rising. Climate change is happening NOW. Learn about what's being done to deal with the problem.

Panelists: Katie Davis, who was in one of the original groups trained by Al Gore to help the public understand the importance of climate change, and Nathan Ally, attorney with the Environmental Defense Center.

All League forums are free and open to the public--so invite your friends. You may bring your own brown bag lunch, and cookies and beverages will be provided. Parking is free.

Volunteers Needed

to Register Voters

Tuesday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

On National Voter Registration Day, LWVSB Voter Service will coordinate registration tables at Santa Barbara City College, Catholic Charities Thrift Shop and local Trader Joe stores.

Sign up for a two or three hour shift by contacting janror@aol.com.

Ventura LWV Meeting

Saturday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m.-noon

Ojai Valley Women's Club, 411 E. Ojai Ave.

Join our neighbors at their first general meeting of the year. If you are interested in attending this League of Women Voters of Ventura County meeting, contact joaniesgarden@cox.net.

City of Santa Barbara

Candidate Forums

Mayor: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m.

Faulkner Gallery of Santa Barbara Main Library

Irene Stone will facilitate.

Council candidates: Saturday, Oct. 5,

1:30 p.m.

Also at the Faulkner Gallery. Jean Reiche will be the facilitator at this forum, which is co-sponsored by Santa Barbara Village.

Both forums will be videotaped for later showing on TV Santa Barbara and on our website, www.lwvsantabarbara.org. You can also review the candidates' statements on our website's Smart Voter.

Film: Girl Rising

Tuesday. Oct. 10, 6 p.m., Faulkner Gallery

This documentary examines the challenges faced by girls worldwide. The free screening, honoring the International Day of the Girl, is co-sponsored by LWVSB, American Association of University Women (AAUW) and CARE.

Community Forum: Girls Rising

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 12-2 p.m.

Louise Lowry Davis Center, 1232 De La Vina St.

Inspired by the Girl Rising film, our regular monthly forum will feature LWV members and panelists discussing the film, as well as issues and programs for girls in our community. This is a brown bag lunch with drinks and cookies provided and is free and open to the public.

Forum: Safety in Our Schools, Homes and Community

Thursday, Oct. 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Faulkner Gallery

Co-sponsored by the Coalition Against Gun Violence and LWVSB, this public forum will focus on one of the most important national and local issues. Mayor Helene Schneider will moderate.

October Discussion Units:

Fracking in California

Another controversial and timely subject--fracking--will be the subject of our units, which are resuming after a summer break.

Last Wednesday, LWVUS issued an Action Alert on climate change and Keystone XL:

Climate Change Progress at Risk

S. 1392, an energy efficiency bill, was brought to the floor (on Sept. 11) and a last minute push to add amendments that would undermine that progress is being made. We cannot let these amendments move forward: Tell our Senators to reject bad environmental amendments that will put the health and safety of our children and our future at risk. For more information click here.

During floor debate on this legislation, amendments will be offered that turn a blind eye to the devastating impacts of climate change--including proposals to undo President Obama's plan to cut carbon pollution, and to approve the Keystone XL pipeline and cut vehicle emissions standards. For more information click here.

State Legislation:

Last Thursday, the Legislature adjourned until January, so for now any LWVC Action Alerts will be asking the Governor to sign bills that League supports, as in this new Action Alert:

Urge Governor Brown to Sign AB 1229 to Allow Cities and Counties to Adopt Inclusionary Zoning Requirements. This addresses affordable housing needs - and a big concern of LWVSB as well as our state League. Click here to learn more and to contact the Governor.